"Is That Time-Off Request Because You’re Sick—or to Watch the Olympics?" Society for Human Resource Management

August 11, 2016

In an article published by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) on August 8, 2016, Glianny Fagundo provides insight for companies experiencing problems with employees taking time off to watch the Olympics. The article suggests that employers should always follow their FMLA certification process or their reasonable accommodation process if the employee seeks FMLA or ADA time off. "Even if an employee's leave request is suspiciously timed, you simply hand over the applicable forms and request that the [employee] fill them out completely with the help of a physician," said Ms. Fagundo. "If the employee is bluffing, he will likely back away from the request when he sees that his scheme will require the submission of a document that looks official, potentially require him to engage in fraud and will require a visit to his physician." For the full article, please visit the SHRM website.